Sport of bowling has been going big time in last year
If someone tells you bowling is just a silly little game, tell them to rethink that. The sport has gone big time in the last year or so. The recognition is worldwide, and the USBC, PBA, and an almost infinite number of companies are pushing bowling into a new level.
And, because of it, and the press associated with it, bowling has begun to change. Instead of the sport counting on a player to bowl in two, three, or four leagues, the push has been successful to increase participation with an injection of new players.
An example of this is in a groundbreaking agreement with leaders of the nation’s largest bowling manufacturers partnered with the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress to create a new funding source dedicated to youth bowling development and marketing.
The new Youth Education Services (YES) Fund is a joint initiative of BPAA, USBC and The Bowling Foundation, and many of the leading brands in bowling. Companies including Brunswick, Columbia 300, Ebonite, 900 Global, Hammer, QubicaAMF, Roto Grip, Storm and Track, have agreed to significant contributions to the YES Fund totaling more than $250,000.
The initial focus for the YES Fund project will be development of a new mainstream sports model for bowlers 12 years old and younger. This will involve testing new team-based ideas for competition along with the development of training and recruitment programs to attract volunteer coaches.
Also, interest in youth bowling and collegiate bowling — not only competitively, but also recreationally — is on the rise. And as an example, two new college student unions will offer students bowling to meet this growing interest.
Sort of a “test” project, Darton College, Albany, Ga., recently completed its new student union.
Deemed a place of entertainment, rest, and relaxation, Darton’s student union has four Brunswick-equipped bowling lanes, including Pro Lane furniture, GS-X pinsetters and Vector scoring equipment.
And, in addition, this new student union also features a climbing wall, three racquetball courts, student study lounge areas, interaction areas, a table tennis area, a billiard area, TV and electronic gaming areas.
Additionally, after suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina, Dillard University, New Orleans, La., is rebuilding and transforming its campus, including a new Student Union and Recreation, Health and Wellness Center, which will be a 55,000-square-foot facility that also houses a four-lane bowling center.
And beyond big business, entertainment icons are also helping the game. As for example it was a Disney Channel party at a bowling alley just recently, as “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus decided to have a good time with Demi Lovato and two members of the Jonas Brothers – Nick and Joe. It was a gathering for Nick’s 18th birthday. And from what the paparazzi had to say everyone had a good time. It is all part of the “new” bowling.
P&P League
According to my old buddy, Spencer Metts, the Friday night P&P League had all the high rollers out early this season. Just three weeks in, Matt Myers has already rolled 279, 224, and 228 for an outstanding 731 series, Lori Sutton shot her highest game ever with a 207, and Ryan Helmes also topped his highest with a nice 230.
Then, speaking of Spencer, it appears the old rascal finally turned the trick and smashed the pocket 11 in a row and ended with an outstanding 299 game.
And that game along with a 233 and a 203 gave him a nice series of 735. It is absolutely “Great Bowling.” Congratulations.
Sophia
I need to send a “get well” to one of the nicest ladies I know, Sophia Vavrek.
An avid bowler for years, but battling some health issues lately, she has never let up on the game and was there for me some years back when I needed her.
And her son, Joe, and I have duked it out on the lanes for more years than I can remember.
I have never doubted that all the goodness and competitive spirit that I find in Joe, comes directly from his Mom.
Get well soon.
Bowling News
Uniontown resident Gary George writes a weekly bowling column for the Herald-Standard.
If you have any bowling news, contact George, a member of the Professional Bowlers Association since 1997, via email at probowler48@aol.com or fax at 724-438-7290.
Information is welcome from all area bowling establishments.